Tag: Maui

With the launch of a reimagined website, The Penthouse Maui showcases its luxury residential comforts and beachfront relaxation, inspiring respite-seekers to book a stay for an unparalleled Hawaii vacation experience. Designed for intimate groups of up to 10 guests, its spacious layout, elegantly appointed rooms, and upscale amenities lend for a luxurious yet relaxing stay.

Located in the heart of Southwest Maui, the sprawling 2,824 square foot penthouse is meticulously appointed with coastal-inspired décor, comfortably posh furnishings, and commanding ocean views that provide the ideal backdrop for an island getaway — whether guests are seeking a hotel alternative, celebrating with family or vacationing with friends.

“We want our guests to have a memorable experience by anticipating their needs,” said Dave Gilbert, owner of The Penthouse Maui. “During their entire stay, they will have access to a concierge who will assist them with special arrangements such as hiring a private chef, booking exclusive excursions and even handling grocery shopping so they can simply relax and enjoy Maui.”

Stylish accommodations include three master king bedrooms, all featuring full en suite bathrooms. A full Jack and Jill bathroom connects an additional queen bedroom and a private study with a queen sofa-sleeper. Ample gathering spaces are sophisticated yet remain warm and inviting. The gourmet chef’s kitchen is outfitted with full size, state-of-the-art appliances conducive to entertaining. Guests can dine at a glass-top table that seats up to ten while enjoying a cool island breeze and ocean views.

The prized section of the property is the 60-foot ocean-facing lanai that offers unobstructed views from every angle – the perfect place to witness dramatic sunsets or even breaching whales in the winter. In addition to topnotch furnishings and appliances, the penthouse is stocked with gear and equipment to enjoy the beach.

Situated in Kihei, known for great weather and popular beaches, The Penthouse Maui provides easy access to beach activities, events and shops. It is also in close proximity to critically acclaimed restaurants and casual eateries.

Romantic dining experience at Hotel Wailea

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Wailea’s resort community sits Hotel Wailea, an adults-only resort reminiscent of classic Hollywood-esque hilltop hideaways.

The setting at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea is breathtaking to say the least. Dark wood vaulted ceilings, a cascading waterfall and colorful hibiscus flowers set the tone for a romantic evening. As your led to your table, views of Molokini Crater and neighbor islands in the distance coupled with a cool ocean breeze immediately captivate your senses and remind you why you chose Maui as your vacation spot! Insider tip:check sunset times with the concierge and make a reservation in advance so you can fully enjoy Maui’s colorful nightly performance as you dine.

It takes a few moments to pull your attention from the spectacular ocean views to the menu. Oh, the menu! Here’s where it gets good. The menu created by Chef de Cuisine Zach Sato features dishes made with local ingredients and inspired by the flavors of Hawaii. Start with an appetizer of Ahi Tartare (one of the best we’ve ever had) and enjoy the smooth texture of the Ahi on a crunchy rice cracker. Another favorite is the Truffle Risotto. Who doesn’t love truffle on anything? This decadent dish features mushrooms from the Big Island of Hawaii, Truffle Butter sprinkled with Parmesan Reggiano.

What romantic dinner would be complete without oysters on the half shell? Served with a Ogo Mignonette, we recommend pairing this dish with a crisp glass of Carl Graff Reisling (also available by the bottle).

The Ahi Tartare with Pear, Egg Yolk, Sesame, Pine Nut

Time to Cleanse the Palate!

Before we moved on to our entrees, our waiter brought us a little palate cleanser of
Mango Sorbet drizzled with Prosecco, delightful!

Entrees

Center Cut Prime Tenderloin Pomme Purée, Hamakua Mushrooms, Sea Bean Salsa Verde. This dish was delicious! The flavors worked so well together and didn’t distract from the quality of the beef- which we recommend asking to be cooked medium rare.

Macadamia Nut Crusted Colorado Lamb Chops served with Caramelized Onion Potato Puree, Broccolini, Date Chutney. Don’t expect to talk much while you’re eating this dish. Something happens to your brain and words are not necessary. Only nods of satisfaction as you enjoy tender bites of meat dipped in (our favorite part) a Date Chutney….

Dessert…yes, try and leave a little room

Dessert comes with a show when you order the Hawaiian Molten Lava Chocolate Cake. Warm chocolate souffle-like goodness sits on a slate slab next to a gooey marshmallow. The waiter poured the 151 alcohol over the marshmallow and lit the dessert on fire – it was up to us to blow it out! Amazing experience.

For those non-chocolate lovers, the whimsical Grown-Up Milkshake will bring out the kid inside. A Lemon Malt shake with a sugar rim is served in a tiny mason jar for sipping between bites of old fashioned cake donuts and blueberry compote (for dipping of course).

For those wondering if this new concept is far from Capische? you’re missing out if you don’t give it a try! The quality of the food and service is still top knotch.

Mahalo, Chef Zach Sato and the amazing staff at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea.

Settle into a seat at the bar (insider tip: sit facing the outside of the restaurant for those perfect sunset views) and order a Nick’s Mai Tai. At $6 this popular cocktail doesn’t leave you feeling like you compromised quality for value. In addition to specialty drinks, Nick’s serves up local brews from Big Island and Maui starting at $5 and wines by the glass starting at $7.

Now, on to the food! We ordered a few dishes to make sure we experienced most of the happy hour menu. And with a very affordable price tag, we didn’t blink an eye. By far, the Calamari Fritte was cooked to perfection. You can’t help but to moan (quietly) as you savor the chewy interior and crispy (not overly fried) exterior which is drizzled with a Chipotle Aioli. A flavorful Wasabi Cocktail Sauce was a nice alternative to the traditional dipping sauce. Bravo to the chef for mastering and putting a nice twist on this Italian classic.

Incorporating traditional Hawaiian specialties, Nick’s Fishmarket in Wailea also serves Kalua Pig Pot Stickers on the happy hour menu. This $7 dish is the perfect blend of sweet and savory with caramelized Maui pineapple curry and cabbage slaw. Salad lovers will swoon over the Maui Wowie, Nick’s version of a chopped salad made with Maui Onions, romaine, tomatoes, tiger shrimp, avocado, feta, pepperoncini and olives in a caper vinaigrette. The accommodating wait staff will even split it for parties of two. This is the most “expensive” dish at $11 and a medley of the best Mediterranean flavors. We also recommend the Oyster Shooters if your palette is adventurous or you’re on a date 😉

We hope your mouths are watering and you’ve made a note to add Nick’s Fishmarket in Wailea to your list of Maui restaurants.

Happy Hour at Nick’s Fishmarket in Wailea happens seven days a week (yes, you read that correctly) from 5-7pm at the bar/lounge area. Dinner is also available from 5:30-9:45pm nightly. Reservations are recommended, call 808-879-7224.